Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 18 September 2025

These updates are shared to help raise the situational awareness of Faith-Based organizations to best defend against and mitigate the impacts from all-hazards threats including physical security, cybersecurity, and natural disasters. 

Faith-Based Institutions Face Rising Threats as Division and Disinformation Fuel Violence

Homeland security experts are warning that faith-based institutions in the U.S. are increasingly under threat, driven by rising social division and the spread of disinformation. A recent report by the Family Research Council shows a sharp increase in attacks on churches and other religious communities over the past five years. According to the FRC, incidents of hostility toward U.S. churches, including vandalism, arson, bomb threats, gun-related incidents, and other crimes rose from 50 in 2018 to 485 in 2023. FRC In 2024, there were 415 hostile incidents recorded, nearly matching the number in the first 57 months of the report’s scope. FRC Much of this threat is fueled by content seen online; individuals radicalized via social media are increasingly viewing those with differing views as enemies. In addition to ideological split, mental and behavioral health challenges are playing a role: many young people who feel isolated, treated unfairly, or lacking belonging are developing anger and seeing violence as their outlet.

Analyst Comments: The reported rise in threats against faith-based institutions shows a convergence of physical, ideological, and cyber risks that make these communities increasingly vulnerable. Religious facilities have historically been considered soft targets, but the amplification of disinformation online with growing polarization and mental health stressors creates a volatile environment where faith communities may be deliberately targeted for symbolic impact. Faith-based institutions may consider investing in youth engagement, counter-narrative, and trusted community leadership to reduce extremist rhetoric and prevent violence. In case you missed it the FB-ISAO 2024 threat data and review was been released and you can find it here.

Rural Pennsylvania community shaken after shooting leaves 3 officers dead, 2 wounded

In North Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania, three law enforcement officers were killed and two others critically injured during a follow-up operation related to a domestic investigation. The officers were returning to a rural farmhouse when a man, believed to be an ex-boyfriend of a woman living there, opened fire from an adjacent cornfield. Two sheriff’s deputies were among those wounded, while three Northen York Regional Police officers were among those who were killed. The suspect, wearing camouflage, was shot and killed by officers on the scene. Authorities say there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Analyst Comments: The York County shooting shows the high risks law enforcement officers face when responding to domestic-related incidents, which are often volatile and unpredictable. The suspect’s use of camouflage and a concealed position in a cornfield suggest premeditation and tactical planning, raising concerns about ambush scenarios against police. This also highlights domestic violence, firearms, accessibility, and law enforcement vulnerability.